Friend or Foe?

As my final project for JOMC713, I have written an essay titled “Friend or Foe: Exploring the Impact of Social Media and Other Technology on the College Admissions Process”.  The idea for the essay grew out of my interest in how to assess your target audience’s comfort level with and interest in technology; how to then incorporate the most appropriate technology into the admissions and financial aid processes; and how to ultimately avoid any legal liability based upon the use of the chosen technology.  Although the essay does not fully address all of the different aspects of my interest, as outlined above, it provides a foundation for additional research in the future.

Just as technology continues to evolve, changing how and when we communicate with others, so do the ways in which colleges and universities recruit and “vet” their prospective students.  Many institutions are moving towards, or have already adopted, completely paperless processes.  This serves to expedite the communication exchange and often better positions them in the college choice process.  Some of these same institutions are using various technologies to control the information that they gather about potential students, as well as the information that those same individuals gather about the institution.  These include blogs, social media sites, and websites dedicated to the college choice and admission process.  This essay will explore these different trends and their overall impact on the college admissions process.  This is explored through examining what is important to prospective students, the current trends, and the review of current literature and research related to the use of technology, all within the context of the college admission process.  The resources include blog articles, journal articles, individual institution websites, reports on research studies, and websites devoted to the college admissions process.

The main conclusion is that there are benefits to the use of technology in the college admissions process.  Institutions should consider using it to recruit and attract prospective students, and prospective students should consider using it to narrow their college choice, but they must also be careful of the ways in which they utilize the technology.  Not utilizing a certain technology to its full potential, or in a way other than its intended purpose, may be worse than just not using it at all. Technology may be used to determine whether there is information that reflects negatively on potential students, but those same individuals may use it in a similar way to gather and/or share negative information about various institutions.  Institutions must ensure they are not using the technology on a superficial level.  In general, both students and institutions must be careful of authenticity and authorship, regardless of whether the information is positive or negative.  The widespread presence and popularity of personal publishing places a sort of “warning label” on any information that is readily available from unofficial sources.

The most important recommendations are to incorporate technology as a supplement or enhancement to the admissions process; be critical of the information that one receives about prospective applicants or institutions; familiarize yourselves with available technologies, making sure they are used properly and to their full potential; and acknowledge that everyone has different preferences and skill sets, as it relates to technology.

Please feel free to read the full essay here: inman_713_fa09_essay

I Was Definitely Surprised!…

Brett Smith writes about “the potential for our society (and others as technology becomes more accessible around the world) to become a “140 characters or less” society” in Is long 4m wrtng ded? Ur gonna b srprzed., on his blog creative. for good. This is a nod to Twitter and the character limit.  In the post, Brett highlights the debate surrounding the impact of technology on writing abilities, especially those of today’s youth.

Andrea Lunsford, a professor at Stanford, completed a project called the Stanford Study of Writing.  In Wired Magazine, Clive Thompson indicates that Lunsford thinks “we’re in the midst of a literacy revolution the likes of which we haven’t seen since Greek civilization”.  Lunsford believes that technology isn’t causing a decline in writing ability.  In fact, she believes that technology is “reviving it—and pushing our literacy in bold new directions.”

I won’t argue with Lunsford’s assertion that this generation writes far more than any other before them.  However, it is important to note that the issue is not just about writing and getting a point across.  It is about whether or not they are writing in long form, and using well-constructed, complete sentences.  In my experience, the answer would be no, they are not.  In an age when writing takes the form of tweets, text messages, and emails, long form writing is typically not required.  In those instances where it is required, I don’t see the type of responses which would warrant a “yes”.

I believe that a larger issue is whether or not today’s youth choose to write in 140 characters or less.  I often see license plates, signs, and emails utilizing an abbreviated version of writing.  We have become a society of so many conveniences and opportunities to do things faster, that the youth very seldom choose the longer way, if at all.

Although I believe that there may be validity to the argument that today’s youth are writing more than those before them, and the assertion that their writing skills may not have declined at all, I also believe that it is a matter of choice.  If not required to write in long form, I believe that most will choose not to write in long form.  That then raises the ongoing concern that the skill or ability may decline in the future.  If not practiced, will it eventually be lost?

Social Media Sites…or Not?

On her blog, Social Works, my classmate Rachel Pittman explores the use of social media by scientists and researchers.  Rachel raises several questions and begins a great dialogue about the appropriateness of using social media in academia and business, whether or not the benefits of its use are underestimated, and the potential consequences of not incorporating social media into one’s plan.

Rachel further explains that her company has decided to begin using LinkedIn.  They chose this particular social media site because it provides “access to both our traditional and niche market populations in one place.”  I commend the company for taking this step.  Although I have worked in more than one setting where my colleagues and I used LinkedIn and other social media sites, it has never been a formal, employer sanctioned arrangement.  Rachel even indicated that her company:

…will develop LinkedIn profile templates to help employees get started in the network.  Employee profiles will contain consistent keywords to improve searchability and bind the company profiles together.   Our private company network will provide a safe environment for employees to get their LinkedIn bearings, and is the perfect platform for us to start building our internal brand.

I recently participated in an academic leadership program for women through my university.  Two of the other participants decided to create a group on LinkedIn.  Those participants who were not already on LinkedIn quickly began joining.  The women represent many different disciplines and departments, but we have that one common link.  I have found that it is a great way to connect with others in my field, as well as in fields that I would like to explore.

As my background is in student services, social media sites have had a presence in my professional life.  Although some of my current and former colleagues use it for purely social reasons, it also has professional benefits.  However, I believe that the benefits in my field are very different than those for scientists.

I came across a blog post, Social Media for Scientists, written by David Bradley.  I was very surprised to see such a long list of social media sites and networks for scientists:

• Nature Network – uber network from the publishing giant
• BioMedExperts – Scientific social networking
• BioWizard – Blogged up Pubmed search
• Mendeley – Digital paper repository and sharing
• Labmeeting (blog) – Ditto
• YourLabData – socialised LIMS
• SciLink – Sci-Linkedin
• Myexperiment.com – mostly workflows.
• Laboratree.org similar to Researchgate. Not particularly social beyond groups and sharing documents with collaborators, but email is better, and arguably more secure.
• scitizen.com – collaborative science news publishing
• SocialMD – Med-Linkedin
• Ozmosis – Ditto
• DNA Network – network of DNA/genetics bloggers
• ResearchCrossroads – Socialised grant databases
• MyNetResearch – Socialised LIMS at a price
• SciVee – YouTube for scientists (see also Watch with Sciencebase page
• Scientist Solutions – science chat
• Twitter science group and Scientwists list

Although the list was so long, I believe that there are inherent limitations.  The main one is that the audience is limited, since the sites and networks are specifically designed for scientists.  Of course, the usefulness is also contingent upon the intent of the user.  What are they hoping to accomplish?  What is their intended audience?

I do believe that there is value in social media sites.  I also believe that their value is often underestimated.  However, I also believe that the user must first identify their intended outcomes and purpose for utilizing such sites.  There is no way to determine exactly what opportunities may be missed if one does not venture into the social media site arena, until its uses are fully understood.  I will continue to encourage the use of social media sites in the professional setting, until I have reason to question their value or usefulness.

A Perfect Marriage?: Technology and Education

A fellow JOMC713 student, Leslie Garner, recently posted about her fears related to the “Global Integration of Technology and 21^st Century Education” on her blog, Torch Flickers.  I share some of Leslie’s concerns about technology and education inequity.  In particular, the question of whether or not increases in technology-based education will widen the global digital divide even came up when I was conducting my research on technology and economic development.

As access and connectivity are introduced into developing countries and communities, opportunities for educational reform are created.  In many instances, the introduction of information and communication technologies is targeted toward women and children.  In some cases where technology is used to promote the economic development and independence of women, the women proceed to use the same technology in educating and developing their children.  It may be in a day care setting or in the development or reformation of the educational system.

This book chapter excerpt looks at why technology in education is important, even as poverty and illiteracy remain issues.  It states that even if a computer does not do much today, “the benefits tomorrow are potentially enormous.”  One of the keys is to not only provide the technology, but the education and training to utilize it effectively.  More simply stated, the chapter indicates that “it is better to teach people how to fend for themselves.”  It further states that the countries and communities “simply cannot afford to be marginalized by not participating in the knowledge world.”

One thing that I had not thought about is that if a country does not keep pace with digital progress, its youth may go elsewhere to pursue better educational and employment opportunities, “possibly to never return and help their own country in its evolution.”  I believe that this is an unfortunate, potential consequence of failing to integrate technology into education.

Elementary schools are incorporating computers into the curriculum, installing Smart Boards into classrooms, providing ways for students to connect to school networks remotely.  On the middle and high school levels, students are being encouraged or required to take courses online, utilize technology for projects and assignments, and include flash drives as part of their school supplies.  In higher education, we have witnessed an increase in proprietary schools offering distance education, a surge in online and hybrid courses, and educational collaboration on a global level.

As we see increases in educational technology, I believe that we must keep pace with the advances.



Paper or Electronic?: Is the Newspaper Really Dead?

In a recent post on her blog, not so random thoughts, another one of my classmates, named Christy, discussed how global communication technologies are making newspapers obsolete.  Christy mentioned that “U.S. newspaper circulation has hit its lowest level in 7 decades according to the Washington Post. Only local dailies have seen a gain in circulation” and that “Local papers are the shining light of newspapers…”  However, I found an interesting, more recent article from the Washington Post.  It takes a critical look at the circulation increase for local dailies.  The title, ‘Newspaper circulation may be worse than it looks’, sums up the main point of the article.

The article states that “While U.S. newspapers are losing subscribers at a staggering rate, a few dailies stand out because their circulation is rising. But they aren’t necessarily selling more copies.”  The article goes on to explain that new auditing rules established by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) have changed the way in which newspapers report their circulation numbers, because it is easier to count a reader as a paying customer.  More specifically, the article offers the following explanation:

These looser standards are especially helpful to a newspaper if it sells an “electronic edition.” That can include a subscriber-only Web site, such as what The Wall Street Journal has, or it can be a digital replica of a newspaper’s printed product. Several dozen publications, including USA Today, sell access to these daily “e-editions” that show how the news was laid out in print.

Under the new auditing standards, if a newspaper sells a “bundled” subscription to both the print and electronic editions, the publication is often allowed to count that subscriber twice.

If not for these rules, the industry’s numbers would look even worse. Average weekday circulation at 379 U.S. newspapers fell 10.6 percent during the six months ending in September. That was the steepest decline ever recorded by the Audit Bureau of Circulations, the organization that verifies how many people are paying to read publications.

Although this article does not specifically address the impact of technology on the future of newspapers, I think it still has relevance.  The article focuses on suspicions of delivery driver union corruption and organized crime ties.  It quotes prosecutors as saying that “the union rackets ultimately raised operating costs for newspapers”.  Although Christy does not include it as one of her possible solutions, I believe that newspapers should examine ways in which they can significantly reduce costs if they are going to continue selling printed newspapers.  This is just one area in which costs can be reduced, which relates back to Christy’s observation that fuel costs are saved when national distribution is replaced solely by local distribution.

I believe that printed newspapers will become obsolete.  Although I know some who say they cannot do without their daily, printed newspaper, it also has to be cost-effective for the newspaper.  If their printed circulation continues to decline, it will eventually reach a point where it becomes cost-prohibitive.  This article states that the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s 2009 circulation included 23,132 electronic editions, in stark contrast to only 511 this time a year ago.  If this is indicative of a trend, the newspapers will become obsolete much sooner than later.

Just a Simple Matter of Privacy?

One of my classmates, Trey Mayo, recently explored the importance of online privacy on his blog, SocialMedia.edu.  In his discussion, Trey referenced behavioral marketing, which is symptomatic of online privacy invasion.  Although I was already familiar with some of its characteristics, the term was new to me.

In this 2005 ClickZ.com article, Chang Yu attempts to explain “behavioral marketing” and its benefits.  He indicates that it is used to target consumers based not only on the content of websites they visit, but on their behavior once on those websites.  He further explains that clickstream data and IP information provide the data for targeted ads.

On a legacy blog, Behavioral Marketing Voodoo, I found two September 2006 posts that were of particular interest.  The first one, Social Networks: Untapped Potential, including the following excerpt:

“Online communities allow marketers to identify those interests and effectively reach their target consumers. The future of behavioral marketing is in linking behavioral targeting with social networks.  It’s just a matter of time before marketers cash in on it.”

This made me think of colleagues and friends who complain about the apps available on Facebook, which they believe are designed for just such a purpose.

The second post, Identifying Behaviorally Targeted Outlets, actually offers strategies to consider when identifying behavioral marketing outlets.  The four identified strategies include reviewing consumers’ search activity, tracking frequency and last time of visit in relation to purchasing behavior, conducting surveys, and gathering user personas.

Trey shares some resources that, in my opinion, place a spotlight on the frightening side of online privacy, or a lack thereof.  One article referenced a 2006 incident in which “America Online (AOL) published three months of search records for 658,000 Americans”.  AOL attempted to “anonymize” the records, but New York Times reporters were able to identify some of the users.  This type of occurrence really worries me, especially as it occurred several years ago.  Keeping in mind the technological advances that have been made over the last three years, I can only imagine what would be possible today.

According to Trey, “Search engines can reveal a lot about you and your interests to others without you even knowing it.”  I have to agree, and believe that the worst part is the not knowing.  In identifying possible solutions to the invasion of privacy which many internet users both knowingly and unknowingly experience, Trey suggests that we “educate”.  More specifically, he believes that “information literacy” courses should educate students on the risks to their privacy and how to protect themselves while online.

On a side note, this discussion made me think of the movie, The Net.  In the movie, one of the villains knows way too much about the main character, presumably through the internet, and uses the information to get close to her.  He and the rest of the bad guys then manipulate and usurp her life through the use of computers, changing her name, creating a criminal record, etc.  Although much of the technology in the movie is laughable, the premise hits a nerve.  The main character even says, “Our whole lives are on the computer, and they knew! They knew that I could be vanished!”.  This mediaite.com article from October takes a look back at the movie, to examine how well it predicted future technology.

All I can say is that I am at least one more consumer that is a little wiser about my online privacy and that which threatens it.

Considering the Source(s)

I reviewed a significant number of internet resources in preparation for the EOTO project.  My research uncovered some sources that were extremely biased, only focused on the economic benefits of direct involvement in the information and communication technology industry, or were solely based upon the author’s unsupported opinion.  However, there were a number of resources which focused on different aspects of how information and communication technologies can promote and advance economic development on a global scale.  Six of the main sources upon which I based my research include the following:

Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) website and blog posts: This UN Alliance promotes global dialogue and policy making related to “the use of ICT for enhancing the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, notably reduction of poverty”.  The website provides a better understanding of the Alliance itself.  However, the website, blog posts and forum also provide information regarding news and events related to the issue, as well as a place for related dialogue.

Voices of Africa (VOA) website and blog:  This organization has set a goal of “sustainable development through information empowerment”.  The website and blog focus on current projects and ways in which individuals can get involved in current efforts globally.  It also provides links to related blogs and websites.

First Voice International (FVI) website: According to the stated Mission, this organization “seeks to ensure that people living in poverty and remote places get the information they need to improve their lives, have the means to communicate their needs and wants, are able to share what they know with others – in their own voice”.  They also combine satellite and other technologies to reach more people with less cost and overcome the challenges of illiteracy and remoteness, ensuring delivery of information to people in areas without electricity, telephone or Internet service.  The website offers information about the organization, what they do and how they do it, their partnerships, and some details about their individual projects.  The latter information was extremely helpful, as it provided greater insight into the practical application of information and communication technologies to development.

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) website:  This organization brings together world governments which have a commitment to democracy and the market economy.  Three key goals of its stated mission are to:

1. Support sustainable economic growth
2. Assist other countries’ economic development
3. Contribute to growth in world trade

The organization was cited in several papers and reports related to this issue and its website provides statistical information and data.

global digital solidarity fund (DSF) website: Two of this organization’s objectives are “to reduce the digital divide” and to “put information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the service of development”.  The website provides a plethora of information, including fundraising opportunities, current projects, partner organizations and related news, in addition to general information about the organization.

Technology, Education, and Economic Development: This paper by Dr. Glen M. Farrell was originally presented as a Keynote Address to the 13th Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers Parallel Convention, which took place July 28 – 30, 1997 in Gaborone, Botswana.  Although the impact of ICTs on economic development is not the focus of the paper, and it was written more than 10 years ago, it highlights some important points related to the topic which are still timely and relevant.

Two additional sources that I used in my research include the Global Information and Communication Technologies (GICT) website and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) website.

Now What?

There are several solutions that may be implemented to reduce or eliminate barriers to the success and effectiveness of global information and communication technologies in economic development.  Some are currently being tried by several different global organizations.  I will just highlight 3 of those possible solutions:

1. Increase literacy: in order to most effectively utilize some of the current global information and communication technologies, one must be able to read and understand the information that is available.  As sharing of information is the main purpose for utilizing the different technologies being discussed, illiteracy is in direct opposition to the intended outcome. Literacy efforts must become part of any plan or program related to the use of ICTs, and relevance should be taken into consideration.  If you are dealing with communities that speak more than one language, consider which one has the greatest internet presence.  In this case, the literacy efforts may focus on that particular language.
2. Improve access to internet connectivity: the majority of the information and communication technologies, which were discussed in the literature, are available via the internet.  As a result, access to the internet needs to be improved, so those who currently have limited or no access may still economically benefit from the information.  The Rural Internet Kiosk (RIK), which is being offered by InterSat Africa and Voices of Africa, is just one example of how access to internet connectivity may be improved.
3. Provide internet content in more languages: even if literacy is increased, we must be sensitive to the fact that the majority of internet content is currently available in a limited number of languages.  In many cases, the communities who are most in need of economic development have limited or no English skills.  In order to encourage economic development, the necessary information should be made available in their primary or secondary language.  One option is to offer website content in several different languages, which is already being done in some cases.

Of course, even if these solutions are implemented, the results cannot be guaranteed.  There are other factors which impact the effectiveness of the global information and communication technologies.  As one example, individual knowledge about the different technologies and their utilization will impact how useful those technologies are for that particular person.  If the knowledge is limited, training may be necessary.

Global Communication Technologies Continued: Naming My Fears

When researching the impact of global information and communication technologies on economic development, I was also charged with the task of identifying my 5 greatest fears related to the topic.  Based upon my understanding of global communication technologies, their impact on economic development, and the related research conducted and shared by others, I have developed the following list of my 5 greatest concerns related to the topic:

1. Lack of Access: In some developing countries, there are many who do not own televisions, phones, radios or computers, or even have electricity.  This obviously hinders them from being able to access information, which may already be available to others around the world.  Access to communication technologies must first be provided, before those technologies can have an impact on those who may need them the most.  Fortunately, InterSat Africa and Voices of Africa have introduced the Rural Internet Kiosks (RIKs) to address this very issue, but they are not able to provide access to all in need.
2. Illiteracy: Radio and television don’t typically require reading, unless the latter involves subtitles.  However, written text is very often used to communicate information.  Even if access is provided, it is not useful if you are not able to read or understand the information available.  None of the information in my research directly addressed a possible solution to this issue, although illiteracy was referenced as a concern several times.  Although illiteracy cannot be overcome overnight, literacy efforts must be a consideration for any organization developing a program or plan to increase access and connectivity.
3. Limitations of Language: A report by Robert Kozma indicates that in 2001, less than 1% of web content was written in the Arabic language.  Crystal Watley Kigoni also states in one of her blog posts that there is a “lack of content available online for those with limited understanding of English”.  Even if information is made available, the intended audience may not benefit from it, if it is not in their primary or secondary language.  Unfortunately, those who are just acquiring access often speak languages or dialects specific to their region or community, which have a very limited presence in communication technologies.
4. Misapplication of Information: In some cases, the information which is accessed may require modification for implementation of processes or ideas.  This can be for a variety of reasons, but may include differences in climate, cultural nuances, physical ability, or financial resources.  My concern is that if the information is not applied properly to the recipient’s situation, location or circumstance, it can have an adverse impact on their economic development.  In fact, my greatest concern is that it could potentially have the total opposite effect.  If someone invests in a process or idea, which ultimately does not work, there is no return on the investment.  In fact, financial resources may have been exhausted for no reason in the end.
5. Risk of Becoming Obsolete or Outdated: As we know, advances are often made in technology so rapidly, that some technologies are outdated or near obsolete by the time we acquire them.  How many times have you purchased the ‘latest’ tech gadget, just to learn that a new version is already on the market?  How many of you hadn’t yet upgraded to Windows Vista before you learned that Windows 7 was on its way?  With so many people connected to the internet and having access to information, those who don’t are already behind.  My concern is that the efforts to provide this access and connectivity will not be able to keep up with the pace of technological changes.  Will those who are just now gaining access remain one step behind those in developed countries, in perpetuity?

Global Communication Technologies and Economic Development: Just My Take!

Conversations about the role of global information and communication technologies in economic development have been taking place for well over 10 years.  Although the conversations differ in some ways, they seem to all agree on at least one point.  If used effectively, the technologies can promote and encourage economic development for individuals or communities that need it most.  The differences become evident when you explore the different areas which are being economically developed, and the ways in which organizations and institutions are accomplishing that goal.

Although information and communication technologies (ICTs) include radio, television and other means of information sharing and communication, it is often assumed that they are only digital.  My research included internet, radio, and television references, in declining order of frequency.  According to Wikipedia, information and communication technologies (ICTs) “have been identified by many international development institutions as a crucial element in developing the world’s poorest countries, by integrating them into the global economy and by making global markets more accessible”.  As a result, some existing institutions have engaged in efforts to expand the presence of ICTs across the globe, while new organizations have also been created to achieve the same goal.

There are several ways in which ICTs can promote economic development.  Some will stimulate the economy through the expansion of the industry and creation of new jobs.  This includes those developing the technologies, as well as those providing services supporting those technologies.  I often came across examples within this category in my research.  However, I chose to focus on the economic benefits that result from increases in personal knowledge and access to shared information.

Basic, everyday information is often inaccessible to developing communities.  This is especially true when community members are unable to read and don’t have electricity.  Even when that is not the case, they may be unable to use a telephone, access the internet, or watch a television.  Although I already knew that many go without access, I didn’t always think about how many people are literally ‘disconnected’ from what is happening outside of their village or community.  If they gain access to information, it may help them learn how to do something more effectively or efficiently, or learn an entirely new skill or trade.  Even if they have to adapt it to their situation, circumstance, or limited resources, it may significantly improve income generation.  Many of the examples in my research focused on agriculture, as that was often the primary livelihood in the communities, especially in rural locations.  If they can learn how to produce more food at lower cost and protect their crops, or learn where to find the best prices for needed items, they can increase income and save financial resources.

There is so much that we take for granted.  How many of us have internet access at work, home, school, and maybe even on the go (i.e. cell phone)?  How many of us have a desktop, a laptop, and a blackberry?  Have you ever had to go without a laptop, or a cell phone, or a Bluetooth for a short period of time?  Imagine if the replacement or new battery never came.  Imagine how you feel when you inadvertently leave the house without your cell phone, even though you know it will be there when you return.

The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have collaborated on the development of a joint department, Global Information and Communication Technologies (GICT).  This department states three goals related to its mission, one of which is “Fostering sustainable economic and social development through innovative technologies, with a special emphasis on the needs of the poor in developing countries.”  In addition to programs in developing countries, GICT is part of the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development.

The United Nations launched an initiative called the Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (GAID), in 2006.  The Alliance includes “the use of ICT for enhancing the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, notably reduction of poverty” in its Mission.  As two of its objectives, the Alliance will be instrumental in:

1. Facilitating identification of technological solutions for specific development goals and pertinent partnerships
2. Creating an enabling environment and innovative business models for pro-poor investment and growth and for empowering people living in poverty

InterSat Africa and Voices of Africa (VOA) have collaborated to bring Rural Internet Kiosks (RIKs) to various parts of Africa.  RIKs are independent, self-contained kiosks which provide computer access in remote rural areas and urban villages, where the residents have no access to communication technology infrastructure.  In order to address some of the typical barriers to access, the RIKs are solar powered, use satellite connectivity, are highly energy efficient, and enable up to 5 independent users to work off of one PC.  This short documentary on YouTube highlights the RIK project, and its impact on members of the communities where they have been placed.

Information and communication technologies have been utilized to promote economic development in a number of ways.  An article by Crystal Watley Kigoni, ‘When persistence pays off’, provides a great overview of this issue in developing countries.  I believe that we will continue to see ICTs being used for economic and other types of development, both in developing and developed countries.  I also believe that their use will grow and expand, as new technological advances are introduced and global citizens become more technologically savvy.

I believe that these efforts are needed and that access is long overdue for those who are technologically isolated.  The disadvantages faced by those in other countries should matter to us.  We are citizens of a global community, and exist within a global economy.  When any of us do not have access to information, it can impact the rest of us.  However, I am curious to know what you readers think.  What are your thoughts on this issue?  Do you think that the return is worth the investment?  Do you think that we are doing enough?